Effects of Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles on Peripheral Nervous System Neural Cell Models

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Cell model systems in vitro facilitate the high through-put screening of putative toxicity of a variety of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles. However, most of such cell models consisted of non-neural cells. We have developed several central and peripheral neural cell models for the systematic investigation of cytotoxicity of nanomaterials. Our previous finding that the nanoparticles of several metallic and non-metallic oxides, including SiO2, exert differential cytotoxic effects on central neural cells prompted us to investigate the effects of such nanoparticles in peripheral neural cells. Results of our ongoing studies have revealed that SiO2 nanoparticles exert differential cytotoxic effects on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and Schwann cells by lowering their survival, possibly consequent to the cells’ accumulation of the nanoparticles. Thus, results of our ongoing studies strongly suggest that the DRG neurons and Schwann cells constitute excellent cell model systems in vitro for high-throughput screen of cytotoxicity of nanoparticles in peripheral nervous system (PNS) neural cells. Moreover, they may have pathophysiological implications in how exposure to SiO2 nanoparticles impacts on the structure and function of the PNS

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2011: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 541 - 544
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Environmental Health & Safety of Nanomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7138-6